Health Committee Meets for the First Time

Session: 2007/2008

Date: 16 May 2007

Reference: PN HSSPS 1/07

The Northern Ireland Assembly Health Committee met for the first time today.

The Committee, chaired by Mrs Iris Robinson MP, questioned Dr Andrew McCormick, Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety Permanent Secretary, on the key issues and challenges facing the Department.

Dr McCormick informed the Committee that the Department’s key objective was to deliver real change by putting the community first, emphasising the importance of early intervention in health matters and the establishment of patient centred services.

The Committee Chair questioned the officials on the current difficulties with the new recruitment process for junior doctors. Acknowledging these difficulties, Dr McCormick described the changes made to the process since early April to address these problems and to ensure that all applicants for posts are interviewed and treated fairly. The Department officials assured the Committee that the Department recognised the importance of treating people with disabilities and non-physical illnesses in the community and of avoiding the need for hospitalisation.

The Committee agreed to develop a schedule of outside visits and a regular rota of informal meetings with key groups.

The Committee will meet regularly at 2.30pm on Thursdays in room 135, Parliament Buildings.

Note to Editor:
Committee Membership:

Mrs Iris Robinson MP ( Chairperson) 
Ms Michelle O’Neill ( Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Thomas Buchanan 
Rev Dr Robert Coulter 
Dr Kieran Deeny 
Mr Alex Easton 
Mr Tommy Gallagher 
Mrs Carmel Hanna 
Mr John McCallister 
Ms Carál Ní Chuilín 
Ms Sue Ramsey

The Clerk to the Committee is Mr Hugh Farren, Room 412, Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3XX.

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